From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
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25 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of January 8, 1999
Scottish Secretary Donald Dewar has rubberstamped the Local Government Boundary Commission's controversial plans to redraw the electoral map of Sutherland – depriving the county of one of its seven councillors, yet extending its boundaries to include Reay and Edderton. The changes come into effect for the next council elections in May.
Highland councillors will be asked next week to take the first formal steps towards meeting Dornoch Academy's desire to abandon its controversial self-governing status. Members of the education committee will have before them on Wednesday a report from the new director of education Bruce Robertson who has wasted no time in reviving informal talks – stalled for over a year – aimed at smoothing the school's return to the local authority fold.
The Government's long awaited proposals for sweeping reform of Scotland's land laws were announced this week, to general acclaim.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of January 11, 1974
An operator from the south wants to start instruction in dinghy sailing off Dornoch beach. His request for permission to place marker buoys in the bay and for a piece of ground as a compound was agreed in principle by Dornoch Town Council last Tuesday night. But before reaching a final decision they are going to meet the operator and find out exactly what area of ground he would require.
Miss Ella Mackay, a native of Lochinver, received the M.B.E (overseas) in the Queen's New Year Honours for her services to nursing. For some years she has been a nursing sister in the European Hospital at Nairobi, Kenya. Miss Mackay's father, the late Mr Robert Mackay ran the Lochinver Stores. Her mother, Mrs Annie Mackay, now lives in Tongue.
Exiles of Island Roan, including a mother and daughter now living in Sydney, Australia, held a reunion recently at Skerray. They had hoped to visit the now uninhabited island, but the sea was too rough for a crossing.
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of January 10, 1924
The inmates of the Sutherland Combination Poorhouse enjoyed their annual Christmas tea on the evening of 25th December. This kindness is due to the generosity of the late Mrs Hadwin of Balblair. On New Year's Day the inmates were also entertained to a sumptuous dinner gifted by Mrs Carnegie of Skibo Castle. These annual treats are greatly appreciated by the inmates who extend their warmest thanks to the donors.
Major and Mrs Priestly, proprietor of Rovie, Rogart, have been thinking of their tenants, and have sent useful and valuable gifts to each of them, which were distributed last week, and most heartily appreciated by all the recipients. The thanks of his people go out to him, and they hope it may stimulate others to show the same generous spirit towards their tenants at a time when so much distress is prevalent. Mr Heseltine, of Tressady, another generous and thoughtful gentleman, has, as usual, sent gifts to the most needful in the various districts of the parish.
